Wales | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/wales
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:15:40 GMT2015-08-02T21:15:40Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
More than half of judges under 40 in England and Wales are womenhttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jul/30/more-than-half-judges-under-40-women-judicial-diversity
<p>Judicial diversity statistics show improvement in gender balance but no change in percentage of those from minority ethnic groups</p><p>More than half of all judges under the age of 40 in England and Wales are now women, according to<a href="https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/judicial_diversity_statistics_20151.pdf"> official figures released on Thursday</a> that illustrate the changing makeup of the judiciary. </p><p>But while the gender balance on the bench continues to improve, there has been no change in the percentage of those from minority ethnic groups.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jul/30/people-got-used-to-younger-judges-says-woman-who-joined-the-bench-at-36">'People got used to younger judges' says woman who joined the bench at 36</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jul/10/scales-justice-unbalanced-women-judges">Scales of justice still unbalanced for female judges | Joshua Rozenberg</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jul/30/more-than-half-judges-under-40-women-judicial-diversity">Continue reading...</a>JudiciaryEqualityGenderUK criminal justiceLawSocietyWorld newsWalesUK newsRace issuesThu, 30 Jul 2015 09:50:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jul/30/more-than-half-judges-under-40-women-judicial-diversityPhotograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty ImagesJudges at Westminster Abbey in 2009 marking the start of a new legal year. Latest statistics show eight out of 38 court of appeal judges are women.Owen Bowcott Legal affairs correspondent2015-07-30T09:50:36ZWelsh government urged to take lead on opposing welfare changeshttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/28/welsh-government-urged-take-lead-opposing-welfare-changes
<p>Labour-led administration must do more to protect citizens from impact of policies such as bedroom tax, says Welsh assembly committee</p><p>The Labour-led Welsh government must take on a stronger leadership role to counter the effects of UK-wide welfare changes including the bedroom tax on vulnerable people, an influential assembly committee has claimed.</p><p>As more changes to the welfare system are introduced in the coming years by the Westminster government, the devolved administration in Cardiff will have to look at taking further action to protect its citizens, the committee said. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/may/28/welsh-labour-identity-polls">Labour’s success in Wales shows the lack of identity in our English counterpart | Leighton Andrews</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/28/welsh-government-urged-take-lead-opposing-welfare-changes">Continue reading...</a>WalesUK newsWelfarePovertyWelsh assembly governmentSocial exclusionPoliticsSocietyMon, 27 Jul 2015 23:01:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/28/welsh-government-urged-take-lead-opposing-welfare-changesPhotograph: Jeff Morgan/AlamyHousing in Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, south Wales. The bedroom tax has proved the most significant of the recent welfare changes in Wales.Steven Morris2015-07-27T23:01:12ZBBC executives behind Doctor Who comeback set up production companyhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/27/bbc-executives-behind-doctor-who-comeback-set-up-production-company
<p>Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner join forces after leaving BBC Worldwide to create Bad Wolf, with offices in Swansea and Los Angeles</p><p>Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, the BBC executives responsible for the return of Doctor Who, have joined forces to set up a new production company backed by the Welsh government named after one of the <a href="http://www.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/doctorwho/themes/bad-wolf/">show’s recurring themes</a>, Bad Wolf.<br /></p><p>The new company will be based in South Wales and Los Angeles and has been given a loan by the Welsh government, understood to be staggered depending on future performance.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/27/bbc-executives-behind-doctor-who-comeback-set-up-production-company">Continue reading...</a>Independent production companiesTelevision industryMediaBBCBBC WorldwideUK newsUS newsWalesUS television industryJane TranterMon, 27 Jul 2015 11:51:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/27/bbc-executives-behind-doctor-who-comeback-set-up-production-companyPhotograph: ijprJane Tranter, left, and Julie Gardner worked on shows such as Dancing with the Stars while at BBC Worldwide.Photograph: ijprJane Tranter, left, and Julie Gardner worked on shows such as Dancing with the Stars while at BBC Worldwide.John Plunkett2015-07-27T11:51:03ZNicola Sturgeon asks whether UK agencies spied on Scottish politicianshttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/24/cameron-asked-whether-uk-agencies-spied-on-scottish-and-welsh-politicians
<p>Cameron faces questions after GCHQ changed rules to allow eavesdropping on members of devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland</p><p>David Cameron is under pressure to justify a secret decision by spy chiefs at GCHQ that authorises eavesdropping on politicians from the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</p><p>Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, and other Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish politicians on Friday urged the prime minister to protect the privacy of parliamentarians from the three nations, after it emerged that GCHQ had introduced new internal guidelines to allow the monitoring of communications by members of the legislatures, even though those rules bar the agency from monitoring MPs at Westminster.</p><p>It is particularly sensitive in Northern Ireland and an affront to Welsh democracy</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/23/intelligence-agency-policies-fail-protect-mps-spying-mi5-mi6-gchq">Intelligence agency policies 'failed to protect MPs' from spying</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/24/cameron-asked-whether-uk-agencies-spied-on-scottish-and-welsh-politicians">Continue reading...</a>DevolutionScottish politicsScotlandNorthern IrelandWelsh politicsPoliticsUK newsWalesEspionageGCHQMI5MI6Fri, 24 Jul 2015 16:37:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/24/cameron-asked-whether-uk-agencies-spied-on-scottish-and-welsh-politiciansPhotograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesNicola Sturgeon.Photograph: Murdo MacleodLabour tabled a series of questions in the Commons asking the PM to confirm or deny whether Scottish MSPs, MEPs or Welsh parliamentarians had ever been spied on.Photograph: Murdo MacleodLabour tabled a series of questions in the Commons asking the PM to confirm or deny whether Scottish MSPs, MEPs or Welsh parliamentarians had ever been spied on.Severin Carrell, Steven Morris, Ian Cobain and Henry McDonald2015-07-24T16:37:23ZWill S4C return to bleak times?http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/19/s4c-bbc-cuts-hinterland
BBC cuts could damage a Welsh industry celebrating a year of success from the likes of Hinterland, The Indian Doctor and Doctor Who<p>At a reception in Whitehall to celebrate “an amazing year of achievements” for the Welsh TV industry, the list of successes reeled off by Stephen Crabb, secretary of state for Wales, was impressive. Exports of Y Gwyll/Hinterland, The Indian Doctor and Doctor Who, and the contribution to the busy billion-pound animation sector, all got a mention, and Crabb promised to champion this “real growth area”.</p><p>Yet there was no reference to the looming cut to BBC funding imposed by the chancellor George Osborne, and its knock-on effect for most of the 50 guests, including Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, which styles itself as the channel for Wales, and leading independent producers. A hint of the challenge came from BBC News presenter Huw Edwards, who mentioned the heavy burden of duties placed on the BBC in Wales. This is because unlike in Scotland or Northern Ireland there is a plurality problem. As outlined in Ofcom’s Public Service Broadcasting Review last month, there is no sturdy national press to unite north, mid and south Wales and commercial radio is sparse.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/19/s4c-bbc-cuts-hinterland">Continue reading...</a>S4CBBCTelevision industryMediaWalesUK newsSun, 19 Jul 2015 17:46:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/19/s4c-bbc-cuts-hinterlandPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/GuardianHinterland: Richard Harrington as DCI Tom Mathias in the joint English and Welsh-language drama for S4C and the BBC. Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the GuardianPhotograph: Christopher Thomond/GuardianHinterland: Richard Harrington as DCI Tom Mathias in the joint English and Welsh-language drama for S4C and the BBC. Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the GuardianMaggie Brown2015-07-19T17:46:11Z'I have so much energy': the Welsh over-50s struggling to find workhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/16/i-have-so-much-energy-the-welsh-over-50s-struggling-to-find-work
<p>Call for government to help older people back into workplace as report reveals more than a third of Welsh people aged 50-64 are unemployed<br></p><p>He plays football, dances the salsa and takes pride in his appearance – cheerfully admitting to dying his hair and plucking his eyebrows. Describing William Chiverton, a 62-year-old grandfather of eight, as sprightly does him a disservice. “I have so much energy and so many ideas,” he says. “I’ve got so much to offer.”</p><p>What Chiverton doesn’t have is a job. He is one of a worryingly large percentage of Welsh people over 50 who are struggling to find work. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/16/i-have-so-much-energy-the-welsh-over-50s-struggling-to-find-work">Continue reading...</a>WalesOlder peopleUnemploymentJob huntingMoneySocietyUK newsWork & careersThu, 16 Jul 2015 10:11:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/16/i-have-so-much-energy-the-welsh-over-50s-struggling-to-find-workPhotograph: Aled Llywelyn/Athena PicturesWaiting outside a Jobcentre Plus in Wales.Photograph: Aled Llywelyn/Athena PicturesWaiting outside a Jobcentre Plus in Wales.Photograph: Aled Llywelyn/Athena PicturesWilliam Chiverton has more than 40 years’ experience in the fashion industry but has been unemployed for four years despite having many interviews.Photograph: Aled Llywelyn/Athena PicturesWilliam Chiverton has more than 40 years’ experience in the fashion industry but has been unemployed for four years despite having many interviews.Steven Morris2015-07-16T10:11:32ZBritain's first 'energy positive' house opens in Waleshttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/britains-first-energy-positive-house-opens-in-wales
<p>Powered by the sun, this low cost three-bedroom house is the first in the country to produce and sell more energy than it uses </p><p>Britain’s first low cost ‘energy positive’ house, which can generate more electricity than its occupants will use, opens on Thursday despite George Osborne axing plans to make housebuilders meet tough low carbon housing targets from next year.<br /></p><p>The modest three-bedroom house built in just 16 weeks on an industrial estate outside Bridgend in Wales cost just &pound;125,000 to build and, said its Cardiff University designers, will let occupants use the sun to pay the rent. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/britains-first-energy-positive-house-opens-in-wales">Continue reading...</a>Energy efficiencyEnvironmentRenewable energySustainable developmentEnergyCardiff UniversityArchitectureArt and designHousingSocietyWalesUK newsThu, 16 Jul 2015 05:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/britains-first-energy-positive-house-opens-in-walesPhotograph: Cardiff UniversityThe Solcer House at Cenin in Stormy Down, Wales, was build as part of the Low Carbon Research Institute programme. For every £100 spent on electricity used, it should be able to generate £175 in electricity exports.John Vidal2015-07-16T05:00:01ZDefence minister apologises for SAS test march deathshttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/defence-minister-apologises-sas-test-march-deaths
<p>Penny Mordaunt says MoD will launch inquiry after coroner heavily criticises running of Brecon Beacons exercise that led to deaths of three reservists </p><p>A defence minister has apologised for a catalogue of failings that contributed to the deaths of three SAS candidates who died after suffering heat illness during a mountain test march in soaring temperatures. </p><p>Penny Mordaunt said the Ministry of Defence would study concerns raised by a coroner following the men’s inquest about how the exercise on the Brecon Beacons, south Wales, was planned and executed and how the failed rescue operation was organised. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says">SAS inquest: coroner highlights 'catalogue of very serious mistakes'</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/defence-minister-apologises-sas-test-march-deaths">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryDefence policyPoliticsUK newsBritish ArmyWalesWed, 15 Jul 2015 11:43:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/defence-minister-apologises-sas-test-march-deathsPhotograph: PA/PALance Corporal Craig Roberts, Lance Corporal Edward Maher and Corporal James Dunsby, who died after taking part in the training exercise.Steven Morris2015-07-15T11:43:59Z'Hobbit house' family succeeds in quest to save home from bulldozershttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/hobbit-house-family-save-home-from-bulldozers
<p>Charlie Hague and Megan Williams win appeal after three-year battle to keep Pembrokeshire eco-home, which won support around world</p><p>A young family has won its epic battle to live in a real-life “hobbit house” after defeating an attempt by planners to bulldoze it.</p><p>Charlie Hague and Megan Williams, both 27, used natural materials to build <a href="http://www.beingsomewhere.net/charlieandmeg.htm">their unique home</a> in a secret location blending in with the rolling countryside of Pembrokeshire in west Wales.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/hobbit-house-family-save-home-from-bulldozers">Continue reading...</a>WalesUK newsHousingCommunitiesSocietyGreen buildingEnvironmentWed, 15 Jul 2015 09:55:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/15/hobbit-house-family-save-home-from-bulldozersPhotograph: Amanda Jackson/Athena PicturesCharlie Hague, Megan Williams and their child outside their house.Steven Morris and agencies2015-07-15T09:55:38ZSAS march organisers face prosecution after verdict of neglect over deathshttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-march-organisers-face-prosecution-after-verdict-of-neglect-over-deaths
<p>Coroner highlights catalogue of errors by soldiers who oversaw march on the Brecon Beacons in which three army reservists collapsed</p><p>Soldiers involved in the planning and organisation of an SAS test march in which three candidates suffered fatal heat illness may face criminal prosecution after a coroner ruled that the men’s death was caused by neglect and systemic failures.</p><p>Coroner Louise Hunt highlighted a catalogue of errors by soldiers who oversaw the march on the Brecon Beacons in south Wales in searing temperatures and described the emergency response as “chaotic”.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-fatalities-treated-as-matter-of-fact">SAS fatalities treated as matter-of-fact</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists">How three army reservists died on an SAS march - visual guide</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-march-organisers-face-prosecution-after-verdict-of-neglect-over-deaths">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryBritish ArmyWalesUK newsTue, 14 Jul 2015 17:00:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-march-organisers-face-prosecution-after-verdict-of-neglect-over-deathsPhotograph: GuimPhotograph: GuimSteven Morris2015-07-14T17:00:17ZSecret and unaccountable: the double-edged sword of SAS mythologyhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/secret-and-unaccountable-the-double-edged-sword-of-sas-mythology
<p>‘Leaked’ revelations about successful missions attract potential recruits but SAS exemption from close scrutiny is unsustainable<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says">SAS inquest: coroner highlights 'catalogue of very serious mistakes'</a> </p><p>In a telling exchange at the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says">inquest of the three potential SAS recruits who died on the Brecon Beacons</a>, a former director of Britain’s special forces suggested the candidates had pushed themselves “beyond their ability to endure” because they were so determined to make the grade.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/secret-and-unaccountable-the-double-edged-sword-of-sas-mythology">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryUK newsWalesTue, 14 Jul 2015 14:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/secret-and-unaccountable-the-double-edged-sword-of-sas-mythologyPhotograph: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix/AlamyTwo members of the SAS outside the Iranian embassy during the 1980 hostage siege in London.Richard Norton-Taylor2015-07-14T14:00:06ZSAS fatalities treated as matter-of-facthttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-fatalities-treated-as-matter-of-fact
<p>First responders and coroner taken aback by attitudes of officers running fatal SAS training test and poor planning for the gruelling forced march</p><p>When RAF helicopter winchman Andy Dixon touched down in the Brecon Beacons to help evacuate an SAS candidate who had collapsed during a march in searing heat, he was taken aback by the attitude that met him.<br /></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says">SAS inquest: coroner highlights 'catalogue of very serious mistakes'</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists">How three army reservists died on an SAS march - visual guide</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-fatalities-treated-as-matter-of-fact">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryWalesUK newsTue, 14 Jul 2015 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-fatalities-treated-as-matter-of-factPhotograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianA trig point the soldiers would have marched through on their route through the Brecon Beacons.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianA trig point the soldiers would have marched through on their route through the Brecon Beacons.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianThe steep ascent nicknamed ‘VW Valley’ by trainees, the VW standing for ‘voluntary withdrawal’ as so many soldiers give up here.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianThe steep ascent nicknamed ‘VW Valley’ by trainees, the VW standing for ‘voluntary withdrawal’ as so many soldiers give up here.Photograph: PACorporal James Dunsby who had fought in Afghanistan as a reservist.Photograph: PACorporal James Dunsby who had fought in Afghanistan as a reservist.Photograph: PALance Corporal Edward Maher worked for a charity in civilian life.Photograph: PALance Corporal Edward Maher worked for a charity in civilian life.Photograph: Joe Giddens/PALance Corporal Craig Roberts joined the officer cadet corps at university.Photograph: Joe Giddens/PALance Corporal Craig Roberts joined the officer cadet corps at university.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianThe 16-mile march took SAS reservists into the highest terrain in the Brecon Beacons in south Wales.Steven Morris2015-07-14T12:09:00ZSAS inquest: coroner highlights 'catalogue of very serious mistakes'http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says
<p>Coroner at inquest into deaths of three army reservists who collapsed on exercise in Brecon Beacons cites ‘systemic failures’ in narrative conclusion</p><p>A coroner has said there were a “catalogue of very serious mistakes” made by many people involved in the planning and execution of an SAS test march in which three candidates suffered fatal heat illness. <br /></p><p>Coroner Louise Hunt told the inquest in Solihull, West Midlands, that with the right basic treatment the men would have survived.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-fatalities-treated-as-matter-of-fact">SAS fatalities treated as matter-of-fact</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists">How three army reservists died on an SAS march - visual guide</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-says">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryUK newsWalesBritish ArmyTue, 14 Jul 2015 10:52:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/sas-inquest-military-response-to-emergency-was-chaotic-coroner-saysPhotograph: PA/PASteven Morris2015-07-14T10:52:38ZMonsanto, BP and Veolia agree to pay for cleanup of contaminated Welsh sitehttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/14/monsanto-bp-veolia-agree-to-pay-for-cleanup-contaminated-welsh-quarry-site
<p>Five decades after toxic waste from a Monsanto plant was dumped at Brofiscin quarry in south Wales, companies agree to pay towards cleanup costs</p><p>Monsanto, BP and Veolia have agreed to pay to contribute to the cleanup of a former quarry in South Wales that was polluted with a cocktail of toxic waste, including Agent Orange derivatives, dioxins and PCBs.</p><p>The agreement, confirmed by Welsh officials to the Guardian, marks the end of a five-decade-long saga that began when thousands of tonnes of chemical and industrial waste from a Monsanto-owned plant in Newport <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/guardian/2007/feb/12/frontpagenews.uknews">was dumped at the Brofiscin quarry</a>, near the village of Groesfaen, in the 1960s and 70s.<br /></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2007/feb/12/uknews.pollution1">Waste dumped by Monsanto has contaminated a Cardiff quarry</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/14/monsanto-bp-veolia-agree-to-pay-for-cleanup-contaminated-welsh-quarry-site">Continue reading...</a>PollutionWalesBPEnergy industryEnvironmentBusinessOilCommoditiesUK newsTue, 14 Jul 2015 05:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/14/monsanto-bp-veolia-agree-to-pay-for-cleanup-contaminated-welsh-quarry-sitePhotograph: AlamyA discoloured stream running out of Brofiscin Quarry in south Wales. Toxic waste was dumped here in 1970s by contractors working for Monsanto.Photograph: AlamyA discoloured stream running out of Brofiscin Quarry in south Wales. Toxic waste was dumped here in 1970s by contractors working for Monsanto.Tom Levitt2015-07-14T05:00:06ZHow three army reservists died on an SAS march - visual guidehttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists
<p>On 13 July 2013 three experienced army reservists were among 78 men setting off on a forced march over Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. James Dunsby, Edward Maher and Craig Roberts hoped to join the SAS Reserve, and were taking part in an arduous two-week programme to test their suitability for the British army’s elite unit</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryUK newsWalesTue, 14 Jul 2015 05:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservistsPhotograph: PAPaddy Allen, Steven Morris and Paul Torpey. Landscape photographs: Gareth Phillips. Image for graphic: Google Earth2015-07-14T05:00:06ZInquest to rule on deaths of SAS reservists during mountain test marchhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/inquest-to-rule-on-deaths-of-sas-reservists-during-mountain-test-march
<p>Coroner hears apparent failings in planning of 16-mile Brecon Beacons march undertaken in high temperatures and flaws in rescue operation</p><p>An inquest into three SAS candidates who died during a test march in the Brecon Beacons is expected to be highly critical of the elite British army unit when it concludes on Tuesday.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2015/jul/14/sas-brecon-beacons-march-army-reservists">How three army reservists died on an SAS march - visual guide</a> </p><p>These 90 minutes demonstrate the army failed in protecting and rescuing our son</p><p>Given the determination of the three, they ended up pushing themselves beyond their ability to endure</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/inquest-to-rule-on-deaths-of-sas-reservists-during-mountain-test-march">Continue reading...</a>MilitaryWalesUK newsTue, 14 Jul 2015 05:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/14/inquest-to-rule-on-deaths-of-sas-reservists-during-mountain-test-marchPhotograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianThe terrain around Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, where the soldiers died.Photograph: Gareth Phillips/the GuardianThe terrain around Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, where the soldiers died.Steven Morris2015-07-14T05:00:06ZRoger Rees obituaryhttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jul/12/roger-rees
Versatile British actor known for his stage roles in Shakespeare and the RSC’s Nicholas Nickleby who found fame on US TV in Cheers and The West Wing<p>Roger Rees, who has died aged 71 after suffering from cancer, was an outstanding associate of the Royal Shakespeare Company, who made his name in the title role of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IieU_CjJK6w" title="">Nicholas Nickleby in 1980</a>, winning an Olivier best actor award in London and a Tony best actor on Broadway before he moved to New York in the late 1980s, taking US citizenship in 1989, and becoming known to millions in two top television shows.</p><p>In Cheers, he was Kirstie Alley’s love interest, as the millionaire industrialist Robin Colcord; in The West Wing, he was the British ambassador to Washington Lord John Marbury. He became a go-to Brit on various US series, but returned briefly to Britain in 1988 to record the sitcom Singles, a sort of low-rent Cheers in a singles bar.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jul/12/roger-rees">Continue reading...</a>StageTheatreWalesUK newsUS newsRoyal Shakespeare CompanyUS televisionThe West WingDavid EdgarBroadwayFilmSun, 12 Jul 2015 12:49:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jul/12/roger-reesPhotograph: Tristram KentonRoger Rees, right, with Ian McKellen in Waiting for Godot in 2010.Photograph: Tristram KentonRoger Rees, right, with Ian McKellen in Waiting for Godot in 2010.Photograph: Photograph: Allstar/ParamountRoger Rees and Kirstie Alley in Cheers, 1982.Photograph: Photograph: Allstar/ParamountRoger Rees and Kirstie Alley in Cheers, 1982.Photograph: Photograph: Miramax/AllstarRoger Rees and Salma Hayek in the film Frida, 2002.Photograph: Photograph: Miramax/AllstarRoger Rees and Salma Hayek in the film Frida, 2002.Photograph: Donald Cooper/Rex ShutterstockRoger Rees, left, as Nicholas Nickleby with David Threlfall as Smike in the RSC’s Nicholas Nickleby in 1980. Photograph: Donald Cooper/Rex ShutterstockPhotograph: Donald Cooper/Rex ShutterstockRoger Rees, left, as Nicholas Nickleby with David Threlfall as Smike in the RSC’s Nicholas Nickleby in 1980. Photograph: Donald Cooper/Rex ShutterstockMichael Coveney and David Edgar2015-07-12T12:49:46ZWelsh assembly UFO question prompts dip into trilingualism with Klingonhttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/10/star-trek-welsh-assembly-ufo-question-prompts-dip-into-trilingualism-with-klingon
<p>Tory assembly member Darren Millar’s question to economy minister Edwina Hart about alien craft over Cardiff airport answered in Star Trek language</p><p>The Welsh government has raised eyebrows after responding to a Conservative politician’s formal question about UFOs in the Star Trek language Klingon.</p><p>Tory Welsh assembly member Darren Millar asked economy minister Edwina Hart whether any alien craft had been spotted over the skies of Cardiff airport since it was brought back into public ownership.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/10/star-trek-welsh-assembly-ufo-question-prompts-dip-into-trilingualism-with-klingon">Continue reading...</a>WalesWelsh assembly governmentStar TrekCultureTelevisionUK newsTelevision & radioUS televisionPoliticsWelsh politicsFri, 10 Jul 2015 14:11:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/10/star-trek-welsh-assembly-ufo-question-prompts-dip-into-trilingualism-with-klingonPhotograph: CBS Photo Archive/Getty ImagesLieutenant Worf, a prominent Klingon character in TV series Star Trek: The Next GenerationPress Association2015-07-10T14:11:23ZMichael Oliver obituaryhttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jul/08/michael-oliver
One of the most eminent cardiovascular researchers of his generation, he demonstrated the relationship between cholesterol and coronary artery disease<p>Shortly after the National Health Service was established in 1948, a new breed of doctor emerged who was clinically competent but sought to go further by undertaking research into the cause of disease, usually in collaboration with scientists. Michael Oliver, who has died aged 89, was in the vanguard of this movement, and with his biochemist colleague in Edinburgh, George Boyd, he demonstrated the relationship between cholesterol and coronary artery disease.</p><p>A tall, elegant figure, immaculate in his white coat, MFO, as he was known, would occasionally visit his wards and then rush, with arms and legs flailing, down the long medical corridor to the department of cardiology in the <a href="http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/OurOrganisation/AboutUs/OurHistory/Pages/RIEHistory.aspx" title="">Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh</a>, followed by his breathless entourage. He was envied, as were his few like-minded colleagues, by the more prosaic clinicians on the staff who felt that academic colleagues like him did not contribute sufficiently at the coalface. But the international standing of that hospital unquestionably depended upon these clinical scientists.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jul/08/michael-oliver">Continue reading...</a>Medical researchEdinburghDoctorsHospitalsNHSHeart attackWalesMedicineHealthWed, 08 Jul 2015 16:47:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jul/08/michael-oliverPhotograph: public domainMichael Oliver founded the department of cardiovascular medicine at the University of EdinburghPhotograph: public domainMichael Oliver founded the department of cardiovascular medicine at the University of EdinburghAnthony Toft2015-07-08T16:47:55ZDirect aid, subsidies, tax breaks – the hidden welfare budget we don’t debatehttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/07/direct-aid-subsidies-tax-breaks-the-hidden-welfare-budget-we-dont-debate
<p>Vast sums are handed out in corporate welfare and official silence is skewing the debate, so the public don’t know where billions of their own taxes are going</p><p>In 2013, just days before laying out his autumn statement, George Osborne told the BBC: “The cost of welfare is one of the things that makes the public finances unsustainable. We need an affordable state.” The government had to cut the bloated welfare state because it was sucking up too much money.</p><p>Yet in the financial year ending March 2013, the Guardian can reveal, Britons handed &pound;93bn in welfare to corporations. That is enough to wipe out at a stroke this year’s budget deficit – and it was given to companies in direct aid, subsidies and tax breaks.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/07/corporate-welfare-a-93bn-handshake">Corporate welfare: a &pound;93bn handshake</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/07/direct-aid-subsidies-tax-breaks-the-hidden-welfare-budget-we-dont-debate">Continue reading...</a>Tax and spendingTax avoidanceBusinessCorporate governancePoliticsGeorge OsborneDavid CameronUK newsTaxMoneyVirgin AtlanticWalesWelfareBAE SystemsOECDMichael HeseltineAmazon.comAstraZenecaAirline industryE-commerceGlobal economyEconomicsInternetPharmaceuticals industryTechnologyTue, 07 Jul 2015 20:05:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/07/direct-aid-subsidies-tax-breaks-the-hidden-welfare-budget-we-dont-debatePhotograph: Peter Byrne/PAGeorge Osborne will chop into the social security budget, with measures that will raise about £900m – the same sum as the state gives every year to managers who buy shares in their startup under the Enterprise Management Incentive.Aditya Chakrabortty2015-07-07T20:05:17Z